EU reiterates objection to separatist elections in Ukraine; will not recognize results

BRUSSELS, Nov. 3 (UPI) -- The European Union reiterated its objection to the separatist elections held in eastern Ukraine on Sunday.

"I consider today's 'presidential and parliamentary elections' in Donetsk and Luhansk 'People's Republics' a new obstacle on the path towards peace in Ukraine. The vote is illegal and illegitimate, and the European Union will not recognize it," Federica Mogherini, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, said Sunday.

The EU and NATO maintain the Nov. 2 elections were a violation of both Ukrainian laws and the Minsk cease-fire agreement.

According to the Minsk Protocol, Dec. 7 was agreed upon as the date for early elections in Ukraine's Donetsk and Luhansk regions.

The Nov. 2 elections, Mogherini said, "were held contrary to the letter and the spirit of the Minsk Protocol, signed by the representatives of the trilateral Contact Group, and obstruct efforts to find a sustainable political solution to the crisis."

Mogherini urged all parties to work toward holding the early elections Dec. 7 "in accordance with Ukrainian law, as foreseen in the Minsk Protocol," noting that "The aspiration for peace... requires political will and good faith."